Fry’s memorable Bafta moments

He set the tone with his first opening monologue in 2001, which began: “My lords, ladies and gentlemen… and Americans… It is my privilege, my pleasure, my erotic destiny, to welcome you all here.”

He warned the gathered celebrities that year: “Winners of awards are, of course, completely free to break down and cry during their acceptance speeches – but do bear in mind that I am also free to vomit.”

The following year, his innuendo-laden script – including introducing Orlando Bloom as an actor who “under my stern tutelage and carefully positioned guiding hand found stardom as a rent boy in Wilde” – led the Daily Mail to accuse him of “dragging the Baftas into the gutter”.

His knowingly overblown prose was legendary, such as this in 2006: “Let the tiara of joy encircle your brow, and the elastic pantyhose of festivity engirdle your most intimate parts. Comb out the dandruff of despair, and brush in the stardust of dreams. Unroll the red carpet through your hearts, my best of darlings, and tread the flowers of love into its loose but practical weave.”

In 2012, he introduced Cuba Gooding Jr by saying “they named a country, a cigar and a missile crisis after him”, and Penelope Cruz with: “So popular that they have even named a beach, park and leisure activity after her.”

Stroking his beard in 2013, he remarked: “I’ve a very strong feeling that I’m not the only actor who’s come here this evening with a beard.”

In 2015, he provoked criticism when he imitated the voice of Professor Stephen Hawking, who had presented an award. “That was really super,” Fry remarked in a robotic voice.

And in 2016, he sparked more criticism when he said best costume winner Jenny Beavan had come as a “bag lady”. It transpired that they were friends and she wasn’t offended, but the storm prompted him to quit Twitter.

Last year, he marvelled at “row after row of the most overrated people on the planet, in their beautiful borrowed evening wear”. The camera cut to a laughing Meryl Streep – a reference to Donald Trump’s put-down of her as “overrated”.

This year’s ceremony will take place at London’s Royal Albert Hall on Sunday 18 February.

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